Lawmaker to propose restructuring of Penn State board

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State Rep. Scott Conklin, a Democrat from Centre County, will propose legislation Tuesday that would remove the Penn State University president and the governor as voting members of the university's board of trustees.

The legislation is also expected to propose reducing the number of voting trustees from 32 to 21 and to make Penn State subject to the state Right To Know law.

The recommendations come from a 124-page report issued by state Auditor General Jack Wagner last month and are aimed at tightening governance of the university in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.

Sandusky, a retired assistant football coach, was convicted in June of abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period. He is serving a 30-to-60 year prison sentence.

Tor Michaels, chief of staff to Rep. Conklin, said the representative hopes to make Penn State "a full partner in these discussions as we move forward."

Penn State Spokesman David LaTorre said: "The university welcomes Rep. Conklin's input."